Obama 'saves the US' on chat show

Barack Obama has become the first sitting US head of state to promote his economic reforms on the late-night chat show circuit.

Appearing on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, he called for a return to "an attitude where people know enough is enough".

He also talked about basketball and compared his first 59 days in office to being on TV's American Idol show.

"I do think in Washington it's a little bit like American Idol, except everybody is Simon Cowell," said the president, whose critics mock his celebrity status.

Mr Obama also said America was "going through a difficult time" but added: "I welcome the challenge."

"The immediate bonuses that went to AIG are a problem," he said.

"But the larger problem is we've got to get back to an attitude where people know enough is enough, and people have a sense of responsibility and they understand that their actions are going to have an impact on everybody.

"And if we can get back to those values that built America, then I think we're going to be OK."

The Tonight Show appearance could be seen as a soft interview option, akin to Tony Blair's decision to go on This Morning with Richard and Judy on British TV.

But experts said it was a shrewd idea. They argue Mr Obama has gravitas in abundance and will not be damaged by an appearance on a chat show.